HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.F.7. Out-of-State Travel Request for NATOA Conference
City of Shakopee S-.F: ~.
Memorandum
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TO: Mayor and City Council . . I'.~ ;) t ~'~ ·
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: John Peterson,. Telecommunications Coordinator
SUBJECT: Out-of-State Travel Request for NA TOA Conference
DATE: May 25, 2006
Introduction
The City Council is asked to authorize out of state travel for Telecommunications. Commissioner
Mark Hillegas to attend the 2006 NA TOA conference.
Background
The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) will be
hosting its 26th Annual Local Government Telecommunications Conference August 22 - 25,
2006 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Mark Hillegas was recently appointed to his second three-year term on the Telecommunications
Advisory Commission. Given his experience with City issues and commitment to remain on the
Commission for another three-year term, the Commission believes Mr. Hillegas's attendance at
this conference and the knowledge he gains will benefit the City of Shakopee.
The focus ofthisyear's NATOA conference is on Community Networks, with topics ranging
from public broadband networks to institutional networks to free downtown hotspots. This track
will focus on the technological, financial, operational and legal issues that arise when
communities deploy their own networks. Other topics that will be covered during the conference
are web-streaming, local franchising, cable and telephone industry goals/plans, federal
franchising, and Government Access programming ideas/tips.
The NA TOA conference has been attended by both Telecom Commissioners and City staff in the
past. Given the City's potential interest in offering high-speed internet service, and our ongoing
need to keep up with technology trends and legislative issues, the Commission believes sending
a representative to this year's conference is well worth the money.
Budget Impact
The 2006 Telecom Budget includes $1,500 for travel to this conference.
Relationship to Vision
Having a member of the Telecommunications Commission attend this conference will allow the
City to stay up-to-date on subjects such as national franchising, municipal WiFi networks and
web-streaming, thus contributing to a vibrant, resilient and stable community (Goal D).
Action Requested
Ifthe Council concurs, it should offer a motion to authorize out-of-state travel by
Telecommunications Commissioner Mark Hillegas to attend NATOA's 26th Annual Local
Government Telecommunications Conference August 22 - 25,2006 in Lake Buena Vista,
Florida.